More Controversy in EPL/FA Cup

It gets tired cataloging the terrible state of refereeing week after week, year after year, but two terrible decisions today played a huge role in determining who will play in the FA Cup Final and, maybe, the League champion. A day after I complained about all the calls United has gotten this year, Ashely Young dove again and the ref again gave a ridiculous penalty early that just about killed off the game at Old Trafford. Yes Man United probably would have won anyway, but it is tired to see them get calls in game after game, season after season. They have been handed at least three games this year and though they can complain about the Newcastle decision, too many times the not only get loose calls but get away with clear penalties on the either side (Fulham anyone?). Maybe the league wants them to win or maybe the refs are just too scared of Fergie's ire, but something really needs to be done about it. 

In the second FA Cup final, we saw one of the worst decisions I've ever seen -- though I still think the RVP sending off in the second leg of the UCL tops my list (Barca being another team that always gets calls, though as a prior resident of that lovely city I generally don't complain as much except when the Gunners are involved). Not only did both the linesman and referee Martin Atkinson (one of the consistently worst refs in the game) miss a really obvious "triple" foul by John Terry, who took out two defenders and the goalie right in front of goal, but gave a goal that didn't cross the line. It wasn't even close and the benefit of the doubt should go to the defenders. 

And this appears to be the big problem in football today. If you miss a penalty or don't give the red card, teams might rightfully complain afterwards and have a point. But when you give penalties, red cards and goals that shouldn't count you are directly influencing the outcome of the game. Refs really need to start being more cautious with their decisions and stop playing such pivotal roles in the game. We obviously need goal line technology, which looks to be on the way. And I think Wenger is right that video replay should be instituted, at least for goals, penalty appeals and red cards. Refs will always get decisions wrong, but the old adage that it equals out in the end is just not true. Barca got a soft penalty decision this week, Man United another and Chelsea a "ghost" goal. That just doesn't feel like an accident. Certain teams seem to get the calls on a regular basis -- and it's hard not to notice that they are the biggest teams in Europe. Refs need to start thinking before they act and stop becoming the antiheroes of far too many games. It is hard not to argue that they are diminishing the standing of the sport with each passing game -- with results starting to feel like boxing matches (fixed before they start).